The role of parliament in government

Abstract

With the often substantial turnover of election officials through elections, it has become increasingly obvious that there is a huge need for orientation programs and materials for new legislators. This Paper was developed with that need in mind. It outlines the core functions of legislatures, presents a model of parliamentary power that differs from the traditional presidential-hybrid-parliamentary model which allows legislators to identify their type of legislature, with accompanying strengths and weaknesses. The Paper goes on to consider those factors that influence parliamentary capacity and influence, namely, political and electoral systems, formal parliamentary powers, political will and political space, and the technical capacity of parliaments. It concludes by presenting some recent examples of parliamentary development - noting where progressive parliamentary leadership has resulted in substantial increases in parliamentary autonomy, and, it is anticipated, parliamentary effectiveness.